Becoming Prepared in All Things
Except in a spiritual sense, there isn't much about being prepared in the Bible. Most of the scriptures about becoming prepared in the physical sense are found in the Doctrine and Covenants (D&C). Why is that?
To me the most obvious reason is the changing societal structure.
In Joseph Smith's time, it was at the beginning of industrial revolution. Agriculture and farming were still a big part of society, but work was shifting from the fields to the factories.
Prior to that time, there was more agriculture being done because huge, monster farms operated by single corporations just didn't exist and a large scale. Most people were familiar with storing foods. Most knew that they needed to have some kind of food storage, if for no other reason than to make it through the winter.
As more people moved into the cities, the idea of storing food wasn't seen as being so necessary. The market or general store was easily accessible. Getting money was more important, because you could then just buy food.
However, as the last days approached calamity and destruction affecting wider areas would be increasing. And with it there would be even greater uncertainty.
The Lord in his infinite wisdom began instructing his servants to warn the people to become prepared. Not just spiritually, but physically as well. Rarely does the Lord give a short-term warning, such as a warning to leave. Usually the warnings are long-term when they are initially given. When the preparations will be needed could be relatively soon, years away, or maybe it is just to teach the rising generations to become prepared.
Here are a few scriptures from the Doctrine and Covenants about being prepared.
In section 133, we are advised to "let all things be prepared before you."
D&C 133
14 Go ye out from among the nations, even from Babylon, from the midst of wickedness, which is spiritual Babylon.
15 But verily, thus saith the Lord, let not your flight be in haste, but let all things be prepared before you; and he that goeth, let him not look back lest sudden destruction shall come upon him.
If we are prepared, our flight will not be "in haste" because we will be ready. When I think of something being done in haste, it does not necessarily only mean quickly. To me it means that mistakes can be made, important things forgotten, and general chaos. If we have made preparations we can leave quickly, but still have what we need.
One definition of haste in the 1828 Webster's dictionary is "sudden excitement of passion." When we act in passion, it is often without due thought and consideration. We act out of an emotional response, and reason is often pushed aside.
We want to return to the Lord, but we need to be prepared for that glory.
D&C 136
31 My people must be tried in all things, that they may be prepared to receive the glory that I have for them, even the glory of Zion; and he that will not bear chastisement is not worthy of my kingdom.
To become prepared for the glory the Lord wants to give us, we will need to be tried in all things.
Section 101 has another reference do not doing things in haste.
D&C 101
67 Therefore, a commandment I give unto all the churches, that they shall continue to gather together unto the places which I have appointed.
68 Nevertheless, as I have said unto you in a former commandment, let not your gathering be in haste, nor by flight; but let all things be prepared before you.
69 And in order that all things be prepared before you, observe the commandment which I have given concerning these things—....
72 Now, verily I say unto you, let all the churches gather together all their moneys; let these things be done in their time, but not in haste; and observe to have all things prepared before you.
We are to "observe to have all things prepared before you." In this reference, "you" is more of a plural form, although it can be applied individually. But how can anyone be prepared in all things?
Part of the answer lies in section 88, where another reference to being prepared is found.
D&C 88
76 Also, I give unto you a commandment that ye shall continue in prayer and fasting from this time forth.
77 And I give unto you a commandment that you shall teach one another the doctrine of the kingdom.
78 Teach ye diligently and my grace shall attend you, that you may be instructed more perfectly in theory, in principle, in doctrine, in the law of the gospel, in all things that pertain unto the kingdom of God, that are expedient for you to understand;
79 Of things both in heaven and in the earth, and under the earth; things which have been, things which are, things which must shortly come to pass; things which are at home, things which are abroad; the wars and the perplexities of the nations, and the judgments which are on the land; and a knowledge also of countries and of kingdoms—
80 That ye may be prepared in all things when I shall send you again to magnify the calling whereunto I have called you, and the mission with which I have commissioned you.
81 Behold, I sent you out to testify and warn the people, and it becometh every man who hath been warned to warn his neighbor.
82 Therefore, they are left without excuse, and their sins are upon their own heads.
83 He that seeketh me early shall find me, and shall not be forsaken.
84 Therefore, tarry ye, and labor diligently, that you may be perfected in your ministry to go forth among the Gentiles for the last time, as many as the mouth of the Lord shall name, to bind up the law and seal up the testimony, and to prepare the saints for the hour of judgment which is to come;
85 That their souls may escape the wrath of God, the desolation of abomination which awaits the wicked, both in this world and in the world to come. Verily, I say unto you, let those who are not the first elders continue in the vineyard until the mouth of the Lord shall call them, for their time is not yet come; their garments are not clean from the blood of this generation.
86 Abide ye in the liberty wherewith ye are made free; entangle not yourselves in sin, but let your hands be clean, until the Lord comes.
One way we can be prepared is to teach others what we know, and to have others teach us.
But section 29 really sheds light on how we can be prepared for all things.
D&C 29
7 And ye are called to bring to pass the gathering of mine elect; for mine elect hear my voice and harden not their hearts;
8 Wherefore the decree hath gone forth from the Father that they shall be gathered in unto one place upon the face of this land, to prepare their hearts and be prepared in all things against the day when tribulation and desolation are sent forth upon the wicked.
9 For the hour is nigh and the day soon at hand when the earth is ripe; and all the proud and they that do wickedly shall be as stubble; and I will burn them up, saith the Lord of Hosts, that wickedness shall not be upon the earth;
The real key, at least in my mind, is in the gathering. Each person and family can, and is expected to, be prepared as much as they possibly can be. But, nobody knows everything, and nobody can be prepared for EVERY eventuality.
When the faithful answer the call to gather, if all have done their parts to become as prepared as they can be, the odds are at least one person in that group will be prepared for whatever comes. As a group, the gathered saints are "prepared in all things." There will be doctors, dentists, engineers, skilled professionals, survivalists, master gardeners, etc. Others will be proficient in tailoring, shoe repair, or other skills essential to keeping things in good repair. There will be those with skills, and expertise for almost every contingency. Even the soul comforting gift of music--voice and/or instrument--will be appreciated and needed. And for those where human skill is insufficient, the fact that the faithful are gathered means that faith among those saints will be higher, gifts of the Spirit will be evident, and priesthood power will be among them.
Everyone can gather food storage, supplies, equipment, etc. at least to some extent. But not everyone can learn emergency medicine, natural healing, carpentry, hunting, etc. Everyone has been counseled to learn to garden, but the skill of a master gardener takes years of experience.
We become prepared by learning everything we can, developing new skills and improving on others. If we are sincerely seeking for direction in preparations, and what we need to do or learn, we need to rely on the guidance of the Spirit. While it's good to learn new skills, and develop new talents, the Spirit may guide some to improve and expand current skills and to establish a store of material, tools, and other items. For example, I've heard of seamstresses who have stored a variety of sewing material (thread, needles, fabric, etc.) along with their food storage and other supplies.
It's important to remember that while every skill set is not needed for a survival or long-term camp setting, eventually the gathered saints will seek to establish a more civilized environment, a city. This is when the non-survival skills will become useful.
In various visions, after gathering to tent cities and places of refuge, there will be great destruction throughout the land. After a time (in my opinion this will depend on where you are gathered, but it could be three or more years, or even less in some places), many of those have gathered will return to rebuild many of the cities that have been devastated.
To me the most obvious reason is the changing societal structure.
In Joseph Smith's time, it was at the beginning of industrial revolution. Agriculture and farming were still a big part of society, but work was shifting from the fields to the factories.
Prior to that time, there was more agriculture being done because huge, monster farms operated by single corporations just didn't exist and a large scale. Most people were familiar with storing foods. Most knew that they needed to have some kind of food storage, if for no other reason than to make it through the winter.
As more people moved into the cities, the idea of storing food wasn't seen as being so necessary. The market or general store was easily accessible. Getting money was more important, because you could then just buy food.
However, as the last days approached calamity and destruction affecting wider areas would be increasing. And with it there would be even greater uncertainty.
The Lord in his infinite wisdom began instructing his servants to warn the people to become prepared. Not just spiritually, but physically as well. Rarely does the Lord give a short-term warning, such as a warning to leave. Usually the warnings are long-term when they are initially given. When the preparations will be needed could be relatively soon, years away, or maybe it is just to teach the rising generations to become prepared.
Here are a few scriptures from the Doctrine and Covenants about being prepared.
In section 133, we are advised to "let all things be prepared before you."
D&C 133
14 Go ye out from among the nations, even from Babylon, from the midst of wickedness, which is spiritual Babylon.
15 But verily, thus saith the Lord, let not your flight be in haste, but let all things be prepared before you; and he that goeth, let him not look back lest sudden destruction shall come upon him.
If we are prepared, our flight will not be "in haste" because we will be ready. When I think of something being done in haste, it does not necessarily only mean quickly. To me it means that mistakes can be made, important things forgotten, and general chaos. If we have made preparations we can leave quickly, but still have what we need.
One definition of haste in the 1828 Webster's dictionary is "sudden excitement of passion." When we act in passion, it is often without due thought and consideration. We act out of an emotional response, and reason is often pushed aside.
We want to return to the Lord, but we need to be prepared for that glory.
D&C 136
31 My people must be tried in all things, that they may be prepared to receive the glory that I have for them, even the glory of Zion; and he that will not bear chastisement is not worthy of my kingdom.
To become prepared for the glory the Lord wants to give us, we will need to be tried in all things.
Section 101 has another reference do not doing things in haste.
D&C 101
67 Therefore, a commandment I give unto all the churches, that they shall continue to gather together unto the places which I have appointed.
68 Nevertheless, as I have said unto you in a former commandment, let not your gathering be in haste, nor by flight; but let all things be prepared before you.
69 And in order that all things be prepared before you, observe the commandment which I have given concerning these things—....
72 Now, verily I say unto you, let all the churches gather together all their moneys; let these things be done in their time, but not in haste; and observe to have all things prepared before you.
We are to "observe to have all things prepared before you." In this reference, "you" is more of a plural form, although it can be applied individually. But how can anyone be prepared in all things?
Part of the answer lies in section 88, where another reference to being prepared is found.
D&C 88
76 Also, I give unto you a commandment that ye shall continue in prayer and fasting from this time forth.
77 And I give unto you a commandment that you shall teach one another the doctrine of the kingdom.
78 Teach ye diligently and my grace shall attend you, that you may be instructed more perfectly in theory, in principle, in doctrine, in the law of the gospel, in all things that pertain unto the kingdom of God, that are expedient for you to understand;
79 Of things both in heaven and in the earth, and under the earth; things which have been, things which are, things which must shortly come to pass; things which are at home, things which are abroad; the wars and the perplexities of the nations, and the judgments which are on the land; and a knowledge also of countries and of kingdoms—
80 That ye may be prepared in all things when I shall send you again to magnify the calling whereunto I have called you, and the mission with which I have commissioned you.
81 Behold, I sent you out to testify and warn the people, and it becometh every man who hath been warned to warn his neighbor.
82 Therefore, they are left without excuse, and their sins are upon their own heads.
83 He that seeketh me early shall find me, and shall not be forsaken.
84 Therefore, tarry ye, and labor diligently, that you may be perfected in your ministry to go forth among the Gentiles for the last time, as many as the mouth of the Lord shall name, to bind up the law and seal up the testimony, and to prepare the saints for the hour of judgment which is to come;
85 That their souls may escape the wrath of God, the desolation of abomination which awaits the wicked, both in this world and in the world to come. Verily, I say unto you, let those who are not the first elders continue in the vineyard until the mouth of the Lord shall call them, for their time is not yet come; their garments are not clean from the blood of this generation.
86 Abide ye in the liberty wherewith ye are made free; entangle not yourselves in sin, but let your hands be clean, until the Lord comes.
One way we can be prepared is to teach others what we know, and to have others teach us.
But section 29 really sheds light on how we can be prepared for all things.
D&C 29
7 And ye are called to bring to pass the gathering of mine elect; for mine elect hear my voice and harden not their hearts;
8 Wherefore the decree hath gone forth from the Father that they shall be gathered in unto one place upon the face of this land, to prepare their hearts and be prepared in all things against the day when tribulation and desolation are sent forth upon the wicked.
9 For the hour is nigh and the day soon at hand when the earth is ripe; and all the proud and they that do wickedly shall be as stubble; and I will burn them up, saith the Lord of Hosts, that wickedness shall not be upon the earth;
The real key, at least in my mind, is in the gathering. Each person and family can, and is expected to, be prepared as much as they possibly can be. But, nobody knows everything, and nobody can be prepared for EVERY eventuality.
When the faithful answer the call to gather, if all have done their parts to become as prepared as they can be, the odds are at least one person in that group will be prepared for whatever comes. As a group, the gathered saints are "prepared in all things." There will be doctors, dentists, engineers, skilled professionals, survivalists, master gardeners, etc. Others will be proficient in tailoring, shoe repair, or other skills essential to keeping things in good repair. There will be those with skills, and expertise for almost every contingency. Even the soul comforting gift of music--voice and/or instrument--will be appreciated and needed. And for those where human skill is insufficient, the fact that the faithful are gathered means that faith among those saints will be higher, gifts of the Spirit will be evident, and priesthood power will be among them.
Everyone can gather food storage, supplies, equipment, etc. at least to some extent. But not everyone can learn emergency medicine, natural healing, carpentry, hunting, etc. Everyone has been counseled to learn to garden, but the skill of a master gardener takes years of experience.
We become prepared by learning everything we can, developing new skills and improving on others. If we are sincerely seeking for direction in preparations, and what we need to do or learn, we need to rely on the guidance of the Spirit. While it's good to learn new skills, and develop new talents, the Spirit may guide some to improve and expand current skills and to establish a store of material, tools, and other items. For example, I've heard of seamstresses who have stored a variety of sewing material (thread, needles, fabric, etc.) along with their food storage and other supplies.
It's important to remember that while every skill set is not needed for a survival or long-term camp setting, eventually the gathered saints will seek to establish a more civilized environment, a city. This is when the non-survival skills will become useful.
In various visions, after gathering to tent cities and places of refuge, there will be great destruction throughout the land. After a time (in my opinion this will depend on where you are gathered, but it could be three or more years, or even less in some places), many of those have gathered will return to rebuild many of the cities that have been devastated.
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